Since the 2020 pandemic, remote working has increased. In 2022, 14.9% of people in Pinellas County worked from home, more than double the rate from 2018 (7%). Software engineering is one career that has jumped on board the remote work train.
There has been some concern that remote work has led to an increase in substance use, especially when it comes to software engineers. At Tranquil Shores, we want to assure you that recovery is possible – no matter your career or condition. Today, we are going to discuss how remote work has influenced an increase in substance use disorders for software engineers.
Remote Work and Substance Use: Is There a Correlation?
Since the rise of remote work after the pandemic, studies have aimed to examine how this type of work impacts a person’s health. In one study, they found that people who worked at home for more than 15 hours a week were more likely to consume alcohol when compared to office workers. Of the people they surveyed, 8.2% of the people who worked from home had at least 7 alcoholic drinks a week. The researchers also noted in their study that risk factors for participating in alcohol use while working from home appeared to be having a male gender, older age, leadership position, and higher education.
Remote work can be a very challenging experience for people, especially if they have a substance use disorder. One of those challenges is feeling isolated. People enjoy socializing and connecting, and having coworkers around can benefit one’s mental health and decrease the chances of turning to substances. When that is removed, feelings of isolation and disconnection can become prevalent. This can lead to people partaking in substance use as a way to cope.
Office life also provides a sense of structure and routine. While someone is working at home, many factors can disrupt this routine, such as family, pets, and easy access to substances. This can make it more challenging to stay away.
Substance Use Among Software Engineers
In a recent study, researchers found that since 2022, software engineers have been experiencing an increased risk of poor mental health, with many of them turning to substances as a way to improve concentration and comfort. The use of substances can lead to significant concerns for a software engineer as this can directly impact their ability to code or process adherence.
Researchers in this study suggested that many factors can be at play for this. Software engineering is a high-stress job that can come with many challenges that put a person’s health at risk. One of these is a high demand for reliable technology, leading to constant changes to meet requirements and needs.
More significantly, many software engineers have moved to work from home or a hybrid work style in recent years. This creates a reduced social support system that can help manage their mental health. These combined factors can lead to them being more likely to turn to substances as a way to manage or cope. With time, this may develop a substance use disorder. Below, we discuss some of the most common substances that software engineers might take.
Adderall
Adderall is a stimulant that doctors often prescribe to manage conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. It can improve a person’s ability to focus and maintain attention. Software engineers may use this substance to focus or stay awake when working.
If someone takes this more than the prescribed dose for an extended period, they may develop an Adderall use disorder. Some common signs of this condition include:
- Weight loss
- Nightmares
- Hyperfocusing on the next dose
- Going to different doctors for more
- Spending more time taking and getting the medication than doing other tasks
- Neglecting responsibilities at work or home
- Isolation from family and friends
Adderall can also come with withdrawal symptoms that make it challenging to accomplish tasks when the person has not had this substance for some time. This might include fatigue, nausea, depression, and stomach aches.
Amphetamines
Like with Adderall, amphetamines are stimulants that a doctor can prescribe to treat ADHD. However, there are also illicit amphetamines as well. Software engineers may use this substance to stay awake and alert while programming, similar to the way Adderall is used. They may feel like they can visualize more quickly, are more confident, and have increased energy.
Developing an amphetamine use disorder can also come with adverse effects. This substance can create concerns for the heart and put someone at a higher risk of experiencing an irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, or heart attack. Taking too much may result in memory loss or an inability to think clearly. Some people may have a challenging time being able to tell what is accurate due to ongoing hallucinations, or they may become restless and have sleep concerns.
This condition will also come with intense withdrawal symptoms when not taking it that make someone want to only think about the substance. Experiencing these symptoms during your already busy workday may put you more behind. Some common symptoms of amphetamine use disorder withdrawal include intense cravings, mood swings, exhaustion, not being able to concentrate, and hallucinations.
Alcohol
Alcohol use disorders are common in the United States. In 2023, 28.9 million people were diagnosed with this condition. That is over 10% of the population. Software engineers may utilize this substance to cope with the challenges and stress of working from home in their careers.
Many times, people with this disorder will engage in what is known as binge drinking. This is when a man drinks 5 or more servings in a few hours or a woman drinks at least 4. Not everyone participating in this behavior will have this condition, but it can increase one’s risk.
Physically, someone who drinks this much over time may develop disorders such as liver disease. They can also put others at risk of harm due to car accidents or other injuries.
Working from home can severely impact a software engineer’s daily life and relationships with others. They may drink too much, which limits their ability to complete their job and leads to mistakes. They may also find that they would rather drink than do their job. If they try to stop, it feels like they can’t get away from the substance.
Outside of work, it can have an impact on their personal life. They might find that they have become more depressed or anxious, while others might find themselves in a position where they have concerns with their loved ones. Like with the other substances, withdrawal symptoms occur when they are no longer drinking. This comes with uncomfortable symptoms, including nausea, restlessness, sweating, and shakiness.
Substance Use Disorder Treatment for Software Engineers in Madeira Beach, FL
The good news is that having any of these disorders, or one that’s not mentioned, does not mean you will fail as a software engineer. Attending alcohol or drug rehab can teach you the skills and tools necessary to live a healthy life. In addition, you do not have to take extended time off of work to achieve recovery. We allow you to keep and use your electronics so you have access to your job while you are in treatment. You can have a healthy life and keep the career you have built.
At Tranquil Shores, we have a 3:1 client-counselor ratio. This allows us to remain dedicated to helping you discover the tools that are necessary for you to leave substances behind and return to your software engineering career. For more information, call us today at 727-391-7001 for the peaceful and private treatment you deserve.
